August 1,2025 — Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker has become the only Indian shooter to qualify for two individual events in the 35-member national squad announced for the 16th Asian Shooting Championship, scheduled to be held in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, from August 16 to 30.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) released the full list of selected athletes on Monday. The tournament is considered a key event in the international shooting calendar, offering valuable ranking points ahead of the Paris Olympics 2026.
Bhaker, a 23-year-old pistol shooter, will represent India in both the 10m air pistol and 25m sports pistol events. Known for her consistent performances on the global stage, Bhaker has previously won medals at the Youth Olympic Games, ISSF World Cups, and the Olympic Games.
The Indian shooting squad comprises a mix of experienced names and emerging talents. Among those included are Olympians Saurabh Chaudhary, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Anjum Moudgil, and Elavenil Valarivan. Several junior world champions and recent national performers have also been given a place in the team, reflecting the growing strength of India’s shooting bench.
According to the NRAI, the selection was made based on performance in national selection trials, ISSF rankings, and recent form. The federation confirmed that the shooters have been undergoing rigorous training in camps held across the country.
The Asian Shooting Championship will feature athletes from across the continent and will be crucial for maintaining or improving international rankings. Though India has already secured most of its Olympic quotas in previous events, strong performances in Shymkent will help build competitive momentum ahead of next year’s Games.
Officials have noted that the event will also serve as a critical opportunity to assess technical readiness and mental preparation. With top shooters from countries like China, South Korea, and Iran expected to participate, the championship is anticipated to be highly competitive.
Bhaker’s dual qualification places her in a unique position within the Indian contingent. Her experience and composure under pressure are likely to be key assets as the team prepares to take on Asia’s best.
The squad is expected to leave for Kazakhstan in mid-August after concluding their final preparatory camp. The Indian contingent will compete in rifle, pistol, and shotgun categories across individual and team events.
The 16th Asian Championship is being organized by the Asian Shooting Confederation and will be hosted in Shymkent for the first time.
